Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1887-03-29

V. NJ. Blanding Esq, demo cratic can
didate for mayor, this morning sent his
letter OF acceptance to the city township
committee 1t is as follows:
Committee:
The city democratic convention hav>
ing bonOred me with the nomination for
mayor, permit me to say to you, to the
| convention, and to the people represents
ed in the convention, that the honor is
truly and gratefully appreciated. 1t was
well known 10 many, perhaps TO all the
delegates, that up to the hour the con-
venti0n assembled, had uniformly and
sincerely expressed a wish not to be cor>
sidered candidate before the conven-
ton. The willingness on my part
arose not from any aversion for public
employment, to which | might be called
by the suffrages of my fellow citizens.
but from considerations Of private and
personal nature. Ii is wholly in de-
ference to the wishes of others, and not
from any desire on my part that feel
called to respond favorably to the action
OF the convention
Until the action of the respective pos
litIcal parties Of the city made it clearly
apparent that an independent or citizens,
ticket would not be placed before the
people at this coming election, my own
views of public policy had been I'M
reservedly expressed il favor of such a
movement. The administration of our
municipal affairs have so little relation TO
political questions as such, such remote
bearing upon political issues, either
, state or national, that the election of
representative men to city offices with
little regard to their political affiliations,
but with special regard to their fitness
and qualifications, has always seemed to
| me, whenever practicable, TO be sound
policy, and best conducive to the com
mon interests, and to an efficient adj
miuistralion of city affairs. Without
implying any reflection whatever Upon
the past administrations of an honorable
line Of chief magistrates of the city, and
without the least derogation from the
merits and qualifications of the gentle
men who are to be my political Oppo
nents in he-present canvass, the general
sentiment OF the people. as it seems TO
me, specially requires at this time
thoroughly straightforward, clean, bust
ness administration; careful husband
ing of the city's resources, rigid response.
bllity, and accountability among city Of
ficial9, every possible diminuton of the
burdens of taxation, and strict economy
in expenditures for the public service.
by economy is not meant niggardly aud
parsimonious expenditure of public
funds in such manner as to defeat the
object for winch il is expended, but that
for every dollar expended there should
be a proper object and reasonable neces.
sity. In determining these there is neces>
sanlY to be considered, the legality Of the
measure, its desirablity. and It's practica,
hllitY. II is not necessary to enlarge
upon this subject, the real sentiment of
the people will ultimately decide upon the
action of their servants in their official
capacity by approval or disapproval of
administrative measures.
As a democrat, in behalf of democracy,
and for the honor of the democratic
party, allow me to express my full belief
in the maxim that the Office should seek
the man. At the risk of repeating au oft
quoted aphorism, would add my full
belief in the principle THAT public office
is public trust" AS the candidate of a
democratic convention, | tender in return
for its preference the pledge, that. if
elected, it will be my sole aim and pur-
pose to discharge the duties Of the office
to the best of my judgment and ability,
without regard to nationalties, crceds
and dogmas, classes of conditions. or
clasbing interests or factions partisan>
ship, and for the honor, interests. welfare
and prosperity of the people and all the
people of the whole city.
trust the work of the convention will
so commend itself to the citizens of this
city. that the results may prove equal TO
the best wishes and hopes Of all classes
of citizens. Respectfully yours,
V. NJ. BLANpING